Madeleine’s Story

Madeleine was born 10 weeks prematurely. The vomiting began as soon as she started eating, but she remained happy and growing. When she was 8 months old, the vomiting became worse. In fact, she started to avoid movement because it made her throw up. Once she began receiving reflux medication she seemed to be fine.

When Madeleine was 2 and a half years old she began to have difficulty swallowing certain foods and was dependent on medication to avoid vomiting. That’s when she was referred to the Gastroenterology team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who diagnosed her with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and she began to receive a new medication. EoE is a condition caused by inflammation of the esophagus usually due to allergies. The symptoms include vomiting, feeding difficulty, failure to thrive, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and food impaction in the esophagus.

The EoE Clinic at Nationwide Children’s coordinates care for children and adolescents by pediatric specialists within Gastroenterology, Allergy/Immunology, Hepatology and Nutrition. We are researching causes and therapies of allergic inflammatory conditions of the esophagus and patients can also participate in ongoing research studies.

Since Madeleine has been diagnosed, she has undergone six endoscopies to assist in decision-making for management of her disease. The EoE Clinic at Nationwide Children’s continues to help identify her food triggers so that her symptoms can be managed and she can avoid long-term complications.

“The GI and Allergy team at NCH has made a big impact by improving Madeleine’s quality of life. We are thankful that the team was able to provide us with an appropriate diagnosis. We are also so thankful that they patiently continue to support our family in the management of this somewhat frustrating disease,” says Madeleine’s mom, Kimberley.

In spite of her condition and all of its challenges, Madeleine is enjoying life. She likes playing with her brother, Thomas, and her friends. She loves reading, making art, doing gymnastics, running and swimming.

Madeleine was born 10 weeks prematurely. The vomiting began as soon as she started eating, but she remained happy and growing. When she was 8 months old, the vomiting became worse. In fact, she started to avoid movement because it made her throw up. Once she began receiving reflux medication she seemed to be fine.

When Madeleine was 2 and a half years old she began to have difficulty swallowing certain foods and was dependent on medication to avoid vomiting. That’s when she was referred to the Gastroenterology team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who diagnosed her with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and she began to receive a new medication. EoE is a condition caused by inflammation of the esophagus usually due to allergies. The symptoms include vomiting, feeding difficulty, failure to thrive, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and food impaction in the esophagus.

The EoE Clinic at Nationwide Children’s coordinates care for children and adolescents by pediatric specialists within Gastroenterology, Allergy/Immunology, Hepatology and Nutrition. We are researching causes and therapies of allergic inflammatory conditions of the esophagus and patients can also participate in ongoing research studies.

Since Madeleine has been diagnosed, she has undergone six endoscopies to assist in decision-making for management of her disease. The EoE Clinic at Nationwide Children’s continues to help identify her food triggers so that her symptoms can be managed and she can avoid long-term complications.

“The GI and Allergy team at NCH has made a big impact by improving Madeleine’s quality of life. We are thankful that the team was able to provide us with an appropriate diagnosis. We are also so thankful that they patiently continue to support our family in the management of this somewhat frustrating disease,” says Madeleine’s mom, Kimberley.

In spite of her condition and all of its challenges, Madeleine is enjoying life. She likes playing with her brother, Thomas, and her friends. She loves reading, making art, doing gymnastics, running and swimming.

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Comments

LaTriece Merrill

Is there a way to get in contact with the parents of Madeleine S? My daughter also has EOE and I want to connect with other families and start a walk for the cure a bowl for a cure.